Art & Architecture

Art & Architecture

When you visit Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, it's a rare chance to see one of the country's most historic structures.

The U.S. Custom House in New Orleans was designed to accommodate federal offices in addition to the inspection and storage of goods by the Customs Service. It was planned in the 1840's when increased trade through the Mississippi River began transforming New Orleans into a major port city. In 1861, when only the exterior walls were complete, construction was halted by the Civil War. The building was occupied by Confederate forces until 1862 when Union General Benjamin Butler captured the building and established it as his headquarters and housing for prisoners of war. After the war, construction resumed and the building was completed in 1881.

In the 1990s, the Federal Government began leasing its properties, and the Custom House became the ideal site for Audubon's new Butterfly Garden and Insectarium. Located in downtown New Orleans, Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium occupies 23,000 square feet of this National Historic Landmark and has returned this magnificent architectural treasure to public use.

Look for original architectural elements beginning in the lobby. Setting the tone for the entire experience, this area highlights the original architecture and is accented with handcrafted pieces by local artisans. You will also want to see the Hall of Fame Gallery which is one of the most architecturally significant rooms of the U.S. Custom House. The original arched brick ceiling in this room has been carefully preserved and incorporated into the gallery.

Insectarium Visitor Info

Hours

Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium Hours

Open7 days a week | 10am - 5pm

Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium is located in the U.S. Custom House; a Federal building. Please click here for important entry guidelines and restrictions.

Tickets

Our best value! Visit Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Entergy IMAX® Theatre and Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium for one low price. The Audubon Experience package includes one visit to each facility. Audubon Experience packages are valid for 30 consecutive days starting with your first visit. The IMAX® ticket is valid for one movie on first-come, first-served availability. Tickets may be purchased in advance and used the day of your visit. Our attractions are open Tuesday through Sunday.

Discounted admission for youth groups of 10 or more and group lunches for 20 or more. Exciting, educational and entertaining trips at economical rates are available with advance reservations at the Zoo, Aquarium, Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, and IMAX®. To make your reservations or for more information please read more online, or call us at (504) 581-4629 or 1-800-774-7394, Monday through Friday from 10am to 4pm.

Audubon Membership

Visit often with a full year of free admission to Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, and Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium! Plus, Audubon Members save with $5 admission tickets to Entergy IMAX® Theatre, while enjoying many other valuable perks. We encourage you to do the math, and compare single ticket prices to Membership. Depending on how often you plan to visit, Audubon Membership is the best entertainment value in town!